MEMOIE. 
99 
First Class of the Order of San Fernando, each of these last decora¬ 
tions being accompanied by a Cross of Drawn Swords for. “service 
in the field”, to be worn below the order. 
General x4.skwith was an accomplished draughtsman and made a col¬ 
lection of sepia sketches of many of the scenes of the Civil War in 
Spain. His sketch books were exhibited at an exhibition of original 
drawings by officers R.A. and R.E. held in Maclean’s gallery, Hay- 
market, some 25 or so years ago. Several of these sketches were used 
to illustrate Major Duncan’s (R.A.) book The English in Spain, 
towards the compilation of which General Askwith was able to afford 
much useful and authentic information. He and Duncan were great 
friends, both having a fondness for regimental history. General Askwith 
took much interest in the History of the Royal Artillery and frequently 
corresponded with Duncan on regimental matters. 
On his return from Spain he performed regimental duties at home, 
at Malta and Jamaica and soon after the Crimean War commenced he, 
having just been promoted Lieut.-Colonel, was selected as acting inspec¬ 
tor at the Royal Gunpowder Factory, Waltham Abbey and in the follow¬ 
ing year became Superintendent. The work at that time was naturally 
very heavy and the new Superintendent brought all his energies to 
bear on it and never spared himself. He held this important post for 
no less than 14 years, during which time he was instrumental in doing 
much towards the improvement of machinery and the development of 
gunpowder and explosives. He also served on the First Committee on 
Torpedoes. 
Having reached the rank of Major-General before his appointment 
at Waltham Abbey expired, his active employment in the army ceased, 
but he did not retire until the age clause in the Royal Warrant placed 
him on the retired list on 1st July, 1881, after 52 years full pay service. 
For a short while prior to this date he received the Distinguished 
Service Reward. 
On leaving Waltham Abbey, General Askwith purchased No. 119, 
St. George’s Square, S.W. where he lived until his death. 
The deceased officer was a man of particularly genial temperament, 
hospitable and charitable to a degree ; and of a most lovable disposition. 
Endowed with the highest principles and tried common sense, his ad¬ 
vice and opinion were held in great estimation by those who had the 
advantage of his acquaintance. Except on a few and happily rare oc¬ 
casions, he enjoyed good health up to the last, and probably no other 
officer (young or old) in the regiment, has been such a regular support¬ 
er of the Annual Regimental Dinner. His health prevented him from 
attending the dinner in 1897, andH.R.H. the Colonel of the Regiment, 
alluded to him in his speech in feeling and graceful terms. On some 
of the last occasions when he was present at the dinner, he had to 
respond to the toast of “The Retired Officers”, and always managed 
in the briefest of speeches to say just the right thing. 
He was a man of slight build and below the average height, but very 
erect, soldierlike and wiry, and just the figure to be able to undergo 
